Why do I feel guilty when I say no to someone who needs me?

Someone called last night and you said yes before they even finished asking. You hung up already tired, wondering how you ended up here again. Could it be that somewhere along the way, saying no started to feel like the same thing as not caring? What if the exhaustion you carry is less about how much you give, and more about who you believe you have to be? Jesus does not call the strong to hold more. He calls the heavy-laden to stop: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

- Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Before you answer the next request today, pause for thirty seconds. Ask yourself one question: am I saying yes because I want to, or because I am afraid of what no will cost me? You do not have to get the answer right. Just notice. That pause is the beginning of something honest.

What would you do differently today if you believed that resting was just as faithful as helping?

Lord, I am tired and I am not always sure why. Teach me the difference between love that gives freely and fear that cannot stop. Show me where to say yes, and give me courage for the rest. Amen.